Antenna: Testing and Inspection

NOTE: Due to a capacitor integral with the coaxial cable, the coax cable can not be tested. The continuity test between the center pin of the coax to the antenna does not apply. An ohm meter check to the center pin of the coaxial cable will falsely indicate an open circuit. The coaxial shield to ground test can be performed. Verify coaxial cable performance by using a known good cable.

Rear Window Antenna Module:

Rear Window Grid Lines And Module:

Before performing any antenna service procedures, verify that Rear Window Defogger is operating properly. If no, repair as necessary. Refer to Electrically Heated Systems. Any repairs to either the AM or FM grid should be performed as Electrically Heated Systems, Grid Line and Terminal Repair.

1. Check that the rear window adhesive does not come in contact with any portion of the grid lines or bus bars. There should be a minimum of 2 mm gap between adhesive and the grid lines or bus bars. If not OK, repair as necessary. If OK, go to Step 2.
2. Check for proper radio coaxial cable connections at the radio and rear window antenna module. If not OK, repair as necessary. If OK, go to Step 3.
3. Loss of reception on only one band (AM or FM) may indicate a continuity problem on the rear window grids. Test the grid lines with an ohmmeter. If not OK, repair grid lines as necessary. If OK, go to Step 5.
4. Reception degradation when the rear window defogger is actuated may indicate discontinuity in the heated grid lines.
5. Turn the radio and rear window defogger ON position. Using a voltmeter, test for battery voltage at the X60 and C15 circuit terminals of the rear window antenna module wire harness connector. If not OK, check fuses, if fuses are OK, repair wire harness as necessary.
6. Ensure that the rear window defogger ground wire with integral coil in the C-pillar has a good ground.
7. If not OK, repair as necessary. If OK, go to Step 7.

CAUTION: Rear Window Defogger must be in the OFF position

7. Quick check of the module:
- Place the ignition switch in the ACC position with the radio in the ON position on a appropriate station (AM/FM).
- Tune to a AM station
- Using a grounded jumper wire, momentarily short the AM lead to the grid lines.
- There should be an audible CRACKLE through the speakers indicating circuit continuity.
- Tune to a FM station
- Using a grounded jumper wire, momentarily short the FM lead to the grid lines.
- There should be an audible CRACKLE through the speakers indicating circuit continuity.
If not OK, go to Step 8. If OK, go to Step 9.
8. Using a ohmmeter, check continuity between the module wire connector and:
- AM grid lines
- FM/rear window antenna grid lines
If not OK, repair necessary. Refer to Electrically Heated Systems. If OK, go to Step 9.
9. If neither AM or FM can be received, use a known good radio and verify. If not OK, use a known good antenna module and verify. If OK, either exchange radio or replace antenna module.